The permanent protection of natural liberties was in the U.S. Bill of Rights as a result of George Mason's actions.
The Bill of Rights
US Constitution
Mason was afraid that if people's rights were not protected, life would be similar to life before the American Revolution.
"This government will commence in a moderate aristocracy: it is at present impossible to foresee whether it will, in its operation, produce a monarchy or a corrupt oppressive aristocracy; it will most probably vibrate some years between the two, and then terminate in the one or the other." (George Mason)
After the ratification of the Constitution, Mason still fought for the Bill of Rights. He sent a letter to Thomas Jefferson convincing him of the importance of safeguarding the people's rights. Jefferson also fought for the Bill of Rights, willing to manipulate the states to get the Bill of Rights included.
"Were I in America, I would advocate it [the Constitution] warmly till nine states should have adopted, and then as warmly take the other side to convince the remaining four that they ought not to come into it till the declaration of rights is annexed to it."
"This government will commence in a moderate aristocracy: it is at present impossible to foresee whether it will, in its operation, produce a monarchy or a corrupt oppressive aristocracy; it will most probably vibrate some years between the two, and then terminate in the one or the other." (George Mason)
After the ratification of the Constitution, Mason still fought for the Bill of Rights. He sent a letter to Thomas Jefferson convincing him of the importance of safeguarding the people's rights. Jefferson also fought for the Bill of Rights, willing to manipulate the states to get the Bill of Rights included.
"Were I in America, I would advocate it [the Constitution] warmly till nine states should have adopted, and then as warmly take the other side to convince the remaining four that they ought not to come into it till the declaration of rights is annexed to it."
-Jefferson, to John Adam's son-in-law
Mason believed that if the people could not bear arms, they were at risk of being enslaved, which is why he fought for the second amendment.
"Forty years ago, when the resolution of enslaving America was formed in Great Britain, the British Parliment was advised by an artful man, who was governor of Pennsylvania, to disarm the people; that is was the best and most effectual way to enslave them; but that they should not do it openly, but weaken them, and let them sink gradually, by totally disusing and neglecting the militia."
"Forty years ago, when the resolution of enslaving America was formed in Great Britain, the British Parliment was advised by an artful man, who was governor of Pennsylvania, to disarm the people; that is was the best and most effectual way to enslave them; but that they should not do it openly, but weaken them, and let them sink gradually, by totally disusing and neglecting the militia."
-George Mason
"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."
-Second Amendment, US Constitution
_Mason's objections convinced the people that the Bill of Rights was needed because:
"The laws of the general government being paramount to the laws and constitutions of the several states, the declarations of rights in the separate states are no security. Nor are the people secured even in the enjoyment of the benefit of the common law, which stands here upon no other foundation than its having been adopted by the respective acts forming the constitutions of the several states."
"The laws of the general government being paramount to the laws and constitutions of the several states, the declarations of rights in the separate states are no security. Nor are the people secured even in the enjoyment of the benefit of the common law, which stands here upon no other foundation than its having been adopted by the respective acts forming the constitutions of the several states."
"It is my sincere opinion that the Constitution ought to be revised" and that "the most satisfactory provisions for all essential rights, particularly the rights of Conscience in the fullest latitude, the freedom of the press, trials by jury, security against general warrants &c." are needed
. -James Madison
"George Mason (and his fellow dissenters, Edmund Randolph and Elbridge Gerry) wasn’t going to settle for a document that lacked explicit protections of individual rights. He stood up for what he believed in to the point that he lost his friendship with George Washington. His action was the first signal that the Constitution’s power comes from the people, and we are all obligated to create 'a more perfect union.'"
-Sarah Winski, exhibit developer, National Constitution Center
Mason, having refused to sign the Constitution, alienated himself from his contemporaries, such as Madison and Washington. However, he secured the rights of the people, a victory that to him was more important than being accepted by his contemporaries and being remembered in history. Without Mason, people today may not be able to say or believe what they want, and they may not have any liberties at all.
"I have received much Satisfaction from the Amendments to the federal Constitution, which have lately passed the House of Representatives. I hope they will also pass the Senate. With two or three further Amendments . I could cheerfully put my Hand & Heart to the new Government." (George Mason)
"I have received much Satisfaction from the Amendments to the federal Constitution, which have lately passed the House of Representatives. I hope they will also pass the Senate. With two or three further Amendments . I could cheerfully put my Hand & Heart to the new Government." (George Mason)
Click each amendment to see a video of the amendment:
Amendment 1 | Amendment 2 | Amendment 3 | Amendment 4 | Amendment 5 |
Amendment 6 | Amendment 7 | Amendment 8 | Amendment 9 | Amendment 10 |